If you're a solo traveler, you probably know that most travel companies require a single supplement – a surcharge of between 10% and 100% of the standard rate. However, Grand Circle travelers enjoy their own room or cabin at FREE or low-cost Single Supplements, saving up to $5000 per person.

FREE or Low-Cost Single Supplements

If you're a solo traveler, you probably know that most travel companies require a single supplement – a surcharge of between 10% and 100% of the standard rate. However, Grand Circle travelers enjoy their own room or cabin at FREE or low-cost Single Supplements, saving up to $5000 per person.

FREE Single Supplements on All Adventures and Extensions

If you're a solo traveler, you probably know that most travel companies require a single supplement – a surcharge of between 10% and 100% of the standard rate. However, OAT travelers enjoy their own room or cabin at no extra cost, saving up to $3795 per person.

Grand Circle Foundation: Single Supplements

There is a supplement of $425 for single room accommodations. Single rooms are very limited.

Refer and earn a chance to win a FREE TRIP

Refer a new traveler to any 2015 trip by 3/6/15, and you’ll both be entered in a drawing to win a FREE TRIP for two, valued at up to $10,000 per couple. New travelers can choose to travel with you or on their own—either way, you’ll be eligible for the sweepstakes. This is on top of your standard Vacation Ambassador rewards where you can earn $5,900 or more in CASH. The more travelers you refer, the more chances you have to win … so start sharing!

Day by Day Itinerary

On this comprehensive northwest park tour, you'll discover some of nature's most stunning creations. Begin in cosmopolitan Seattle, then travel east to cowboy country and the great wilderness. Experience the grandeur of Glacier National Park's frozen peaks, delight in the vistas of Canadian National Parks at Jasper and Banff, and round out your odyssey with three nights in Vancouver, British Columbia's sparkling city by the sea. Along the way, you'll enjoy an exciting ride on The Ice Explorer snowcoach and savor a special lunch at Edwardian-flavored Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise. Plus, extend your travel dollar with our pre-trip extension in Seattle & Victoria, or our post-trip extension in Seattle.

hidden

After breakfast, you’ll begin a full-day ride eastward through the ruggedly beautiful Cascade Mountains to Spokane, about 320 miles from Seattle. During your travel today, notice as the mountain landscape transforms into grassy plains. You’ll make several stops along the way, including a break for lunch on your own in Leavenworth, a town reminiscent of a Bavarian village. The day's final destination, Spokane (the "Lilac City"), was founded in 1871 and sits on the Spokane River in eastern Washington State.

Get better acquainted with your fellow travelers over a Welcome Dinner at your hotel this evening.

hidden

Upon arrival in Kalispell this afternoon, settle into your hotel, located just outside Glacier National Park. You’ll enjoy dinner on your own this evening; your Program Director will be able to offer recommendations.

hidden

Today, you’ll travel to Montana's Glacier National Park, a beautiful wilderness area of more than one million acres. Established in 1910, the U.S. and Canadian governments combined it with Alberta’s Waterton Park in 1932, creating the Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park. Over millennia, glaciers carved out a rugged landscape of spectacular mountains, pristine lakes, and breathtaking scenery.

In the late afternoon, you will see the local cowboy culture brought to life during an included visit to the Lonesome Dove Guest Ranch. You’ll get a true taste of life on a rustic Montana ranch—a bed and breakfast that caters to both its guests and their horses. Here, you'll meet the cowboys and see the beautiful horses.

After a home-cooked dinner on the ranch, you will return to your Kalispell hotel. Be sure to look up at the stars that light up Montana’s fabled “Big Sky” before you depart.

Please note: Weather conditions in this region are always unpredictable, so the road to Glacier National Park may be closed unexpectedly at any time of year. In such cases, alternate itineraries will be arranged.

hidden

Today, you head north into Canada on the British Columbia side of the Canadian Rockies. Choose a spot for lunch on your own in Fort Steele Heritage Town, a restored 1890s mining boomtown that will stimulate your senses with the sights and sounds of frontier life. Feel the rhythm of western life through the town’s scripted street dramas by joining tours aboard horse-drawn wagons, or by listening to costumed townsfolk in lively debate over the controversies of their day.

The latter part of the afternoon will be spent traveling to your lodging in Banff; you'll arrive at the hotel late in the afternoon. You dine on your own this evening — ask your Program Director for suggestions on nearby restaurants.

hidden

After breakfast, you’ll tour the town of Banff, truly a gem set in the Canadian Rockies. The site of Canada’s oldest and most spectacular national park, Banff is nestled in a charming valley dominated by high mountains. During today’s included tour, discover why it’s also the country’s most popular parkland.

You’ll also enjoy the scenic Tunnel Mountain Drive that loops around the park. Close by, you’ll find the curiously shaped hoodoos—spires of eroded limestone and sandstone.

Then, visit the Buffalo Nations Museum, dedicated to the Native Americans who inhabited the Northern Plains and Canadian Rockies before the arrival of the Europeans. Enjoy scenic views throughout your return to Banff, where you may spend the afternoon and evening at your leisure.

hidden

Today’s full-day transfer to Jasper is a 185-mile trek across one of the most spectacular highways in the world, the Icefields Parkway. Stop along the way for lunch at beautiful Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise. The lake was named for Princess Louise Caroline Alberta, daughter of Queen Victoria. When thawed, the blue-green waters appear almost tropical, though it generally stays frozen through mid-June. The Victorian lodge commands a spectacular view of the lake and surrounding mountains, and it offers paths you can stroll between shoreline and cliffs. The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise is large and varied enough to impress you as a world unto itself.

After lunch, ride over Bow Pass, which rises to an altitude of 7,000 feet. This Icefields Parkway route shows you the many glaciers of the Columbia Icefields, the largest body of ice in the Rocky Mountains; and the Athabasca Glacier, the biggest glacier accessible by road in the Canadian Rockies. You’ll ride the Ice Explorer onto the Athabasca Glacier, whose ice is almost 1,000 feet thick. Stepping onto the glacier’s surface, don’t fight the temptation to toss a snowball or two!

You’ll stay the next two nights in the town of Jasper, an old trading post town located in the heart of Jasper National Park, the Canadian Rockies’ largest National Park. Dine on your own in the hotel or at one of Jasper’s restaurants.

hidden

Today is yours to make your own independent discoveries. The town of Jasper was founded in 1911 when the Grand Trunk Pacific Railway was built along the Athabasca River to the Yellowhead Pass, although a settlement here served as a trading post for fur trappers before the railroad came. Today Jasper is a quiet, friendly town set in the heart of a broad valley and guarded by mountains.

Aside from wandering the town, you may wish to take a ride up Whistler's Mountain aboard the Jasper Tramway. Back in town, the Jasper-Yellowhead Museum is an engaging repository of artifacts from the days of the area’s earliest settlers.

Perhaps you will choose to take an optional river rafting tour on the Athabasca River today. The Athabasca originates in Jasper National Park, and has calm stretches from which you can enjoy the wildlife and scenery sliding by.

You may also choose to join us for an optional cruise on Maligne Lake this afternoon, a golden opportunity to relax and experience the sheer majesty of the Rockies in all their unspoiled glory. Before setting out, enjoy afternoon tea at Maligne Canyon. Then, depart on your cruise—you’ll cruise this turquoise lake for about 90 minutes, passing by world-famous Spirit Island.

Please note: The Maligne Lake Cruise and afternoon tea operates from June to September.

hidden

Your full-day transfer to Sun Peaks takes you past Mount Robson, the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies. Travel along the scenic Thomson River, with a picnic lunch along the way. Your transfer continues through Wire Cache Provincial Park and along the Thomson River, a tributary of the mighty Fraser River, before you arrive late afternoon at your hotel.

Dinner is included at your hotel tonight.

hidden

Travel today to Vancouver, stopping en route at Fraser Canyon to board the scenic Hell’s Gate Airtram. Then, enjoy an included lunch overlooking the canyon. This beautiful, historic canyon is formed by the Fraser River, which begins in the Canadian Rockies and runs through narrow canyons and vast valley floors down to its Pacific Ocean outlet in Vancouver. This area is world-renowned for salmon fishing and white-water rafting. During late summer and early fall, you may see some Sockeye Salmon breaking the water’s surface as they make their way from the ocean upriver to their inland spawning grounds.

Continue your ride down from the Cascades to the Pacific Coast, arriving at your Vancouver hotel late in the afternoon.

Vancouver is both beautiful and sophisticated. Ask your Program Director for suggestions on where to dine on your own this evening. You’ll find a wide choice of excellent restaurants, with myriad international cuisines available.

hidden

On this morning’s included city tour, you’ll see how Vancouver’s urban character is complemented by its proximity to mountains, lush forests, and beaches.

Then visit Stanley Park, dedicated by Lord Stanley in 1889 for the “use and enjoyment of all people of all colors, creeds, and customs for all time.” The park houses an aquarium, a collection of totem poles, and a miniature railroad, and it’s adorned with majestic evergreen forests, a beautiful formal rose garden, and pristine beaches.

Your tour concludes in Vancouver’s Gastown, the historical center of the city. In 1867, a retired riverboat captain, John “Gassy Jack” Deighton, arrived and opened a saloon. Despite repeated attempts to give the district a more dignified name, it has maintained its nickname of Gastown. After its heyday, the area was destined to sink into a seedy “skid row” district, but was rejuvenated in the 1970s. It is now a charming restored district that was declared a historical monument in 1972.

Enjoy your afternoon and evening at leisure. You may want to explore cosmopolitan Robson Street, a shopping mecca for more than 100 years. Or, discover one of Vancouver’s most striking landmarks, Canada Place.

hidden

Visit Vancouver's exotic and expansive Chinatown. You'll enter the second-largest Chinatown in North America through the gaily-painted pillars of China Gate. Once inside, you’ll find such landmarks as the Chinese Cultural Centre Museum and Archives and the Sam Kee building, the narrowest office building in the world. You’ll notice that many of Chinatown’s buildings date from Victorian times and have typically Chinese features. The Chinese were among the first settlers of Vancouver, so while it’s a relatively new city, Chinatown is one of its oldest neighborhoods.

While in Chinatown, you'll explore the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden, the first of its kind outside of China. As you wander the manicured grounds, you might feel as if you’ve stepped back in time to 15th-century China, and you’ll learn about the Ming Dynasty through the architecture and horticulture you find here.

After time to explore on your own, enjoy lunch at a traditional Chinese restaurant.

You have another evening free to pursue your interests in Vancouver on your own, whether they include nightlife or a relaxed dinner in this friendly city.

hidden

You will ride back to Seattle this morning, with a stop along the way to take in the scenery and stretch your legs.

You arrive at Pike Place Market in Seattle with time to explore independently. Pike Place Market is a nine-acre historic district originally created in 1907 to provide farmers with a place to sell their produce without the high increase of middlemen’s commissions. Today, Pike Place offers the best in local produce, seafood, meat, and international foods, along with unique gifts handmade by local craftspeople. After lunch on your own, meet your Program Director and board a coach for an included city tour.

Enjoy a Farewell Dinner at a local restaurant this evening. Take this opportunity to relive memories of your trip and perhaps exchange addresses with newfound friends.

hidden

Day 14

Seattle • Return to home city

Meals included:B

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight home.

Or, begin your optional post-trip extension in Seattle.

Extensions

Come with us and discover the charms of Victoria, the “Garden City.” This sophisticated seaside community still has a British colonial feel to its streets and offers visitors high teas in the afternoons, but also a character that is distinctively Pacific Northwest. Explore its award-winning gardens and parks, walk rainforest trails, view galleries of local art, and stroll the flower-bedecked streets.

Enjoy two additional days exploring Seattle on your own, and at your own pace. Perhaps you'll choose to relax in the city's picturesque downtown area, with its many fashionable shops and galleries and a fascinating harbor area. Or maybe you'll catch a glimpse into the Pacific Northwest’s rich Native American cultures.

Optional Tours

hidden

Athabasca River Rafting

Day 8 $65 per person

Enjoy a two-hour rafting excursion on the Athabasca River. The Athabasca is famous for its thunderous drop at Athabasca Falls where the river plunges over a 100-foot high ledge and then hurtles through a narrow canyon. But not to worry—you'll be traveling on a slower, meandering part of the river with fine scenic views.

hidden

Maligne Lake Cruise & Afternoon Tea

Day 8 $125 per person

Enjoy an included afternoon tea overlooking Maligne Lake, before you cruise on the lake itself, a golden opportunity to relax and experience the sheer majesty of the Rockies in all their unspoiled glory. You’ll cruise this turquoise lake for about 90 minutes, passing by world-famous Spirit Island.

Please note: Available on June-September departures only.

hidden

Capilano Suspension Bridge

Day 11 $35 per person

Enjoy an afternoon traversing the wilds of Capilano Suspension Bridge and Park from a bird’s-eye perspective. Cross the 450-foot-long suspension bridge, originally built in 1889; travel from one tree to the next via bridges weaving through the rain forest; and experience a cliffwalk that juts out over the Capilano River.

Traveler Reviews

There's no better way to learn what a trip is like than from the firsthand experiences of your fellow travelers, and our Traveler Reviews are the real deal—unbiased and unedited—giving you an honest appraisal of the experiences that await you on this trip.

Please note: If you have taken this trip, please log into your My Account & return to this page. You will be prompted to post your review. Reviews are limited to 10,000 characters. Due to our moderation process, please allow up to 72 hours for your review to appear.

loading reviews

Questions and Answers

Want to know more about one of our vacations? Now, when you post a question, travelers who have been on that trip can provide you with an honest, unbiased answer based on their experience—providing you with a true insider’s perspective.

Weather & Regional

Before you travel, we encourage you to learn about the region of the world you'll discover on this trip. From weather and currency information to details on population, geography, and local history, you'll find a comprehensive introduction to your destinations below.

Visit our “What to Know” page to find information about the level of activity to expect, vaccination information resources, and visa requirements specific to this vacation.

Weather in the West: Summer days can be quite warm, with highs in the 80s or even 90s, while nighttime temperatures fall to the 40s and 50s, due to the high altitude. Afternoon thunderstorms are common over the higher peaks of the Rockies, but overall, the summer climate is sunny and pleasant. If you are traveling in the fall, temperatures out West may be quite warm, or somewhat on the cool side, or—even more likely—a bit of both.

Wyoming

Canada’s climate is characterized by its diversity, as temperature and precipitation differ depending on where you are and what time of year it is. Other than the North where it’s above freezing for only a few months a year, most Canadian cities are within 300 km of the southern border, where mild springs, hot summers and pleasantly crisp autumns are common during the majority of the year.

Location: Canada is bordered by the United States, Atlantic Ocean, Pacific Ocean, and Arctic Ocean.

Geography: Since the last ice age, Canada has consisted of eight distinct forest regions, including extensive boreal forest. Canada has more lakes than any other country, containing much of the world's fresh water. There are also fresh-water glaciers in the Canadian Rockies and the Coast Mountains. Canada is geologically active, having many earthquakes and potentially active volcanoes. Canada also has the longest coastline in the world at 125,570 miles.

Time Zone: Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island are on Atlantic Standard Time, one hour ahead of U.S. EST. British Columbia is on Pacific Standard Time, three hours behind U.S. EST. Alberta is on Mountain Time, two hours behind U.S EST. When it is 6am in New York, it is 6am in Ottawa.

It’s easy to understand foreign currency with our Currency Cheat Sheet. Simply choose the currency you will be using on your trip from the drop-down menu below. The pop-up window will display the real-time conversion of the U.S. dollar to your selected currency.

The Canadian dollar is the monetary unit of Canada. Banknote and coin denominations are as follows:

What to Know

For more detailed information about this trip, download our Travel Handbook below. This document covers a wide range of information on specific areas of your trip, from passport, visa, and medical requirements; to the currencies of the countries you’ll visit and the types of electrical outlets you’ll encounter. This handbook is written expressly for this itinerary. For your convenience, we've highlighted our travelers' most common areas of interest on this page.

Cuisine

Travel Documents

Passport

It should be valid for at least 6 months after your scheduled return to the U.S.

It should have the recommended number of blank pages (refer to the handbook for details).

The blank pages must be labeled “Visas” at the top. Pages labeled “Amendments and Endorsements” are not acceptable.

Visas

U.S. citizens do not need a visa for this trip.

If you are not a U.S. citizen, do not travel with a U.S. passport, or will be traveling independently before/after this trip, then your entry requirements may be different. Please check with the appropriate embassy or a visa servicing company. To contact our recommended visa servicing company, PVS International, call toll-free at 1-800-556-9990.

Vaccinations Information

For a detailed and up-to-date list of vaccinations that are recommended for this trip, please visit the CDC’s “Traveler’s Health” website. You can also refer to the handbook for details.

Before Your Trip

Before you leave on your vacation, there are at least four health-related things you should do. Please check the handbook for specifics, but for now, here’s the short list:

Step 1: Check with the CDC for their recommendations for the countries you’ll be visiting.Step 2: Have a medical checkup with your doctor.Step 3: Pick up any necessary medications, both prescription and over-the-counter.Step 4: Have a dental and/or eye checkup. (Recommended, but less important than steps 1-3.)

What to Bring

In an effort to help you bring less, we have included checklists within the handbook, which have been compiled from suggestions by Program Directors and former travelers. The lists are only jumping-off points—they offer recommendations based on experience, but not requirements. You might also want to refer to the climate charts in the handbook or online weather forecasts before you pack. Refer to the handbook for details.

Insider Tips

Get more out of the destinations on this trip through our Program Directors' Insider Tips. From suggestions on the best places to find authentic food, drink, and handcrafts, to insights on local customs and cultures, with the Insider Tips below, you can discover a wealth of inside information on your destinations—before you go.

Hidden Gems & Highlights

In Vancouver, the Bill Reid Gallery (639 Hornby Street) showcases pieces by this acclaimed master goldsmith, carver, sculptor, writer, and spokesman of the indigenous Haida tribe. He was one of Canada’s greatest artists, combining European jewelry techniques with the Haida art tradition. Inspired by the deeply carved messages of the totems, Reid created many powerful sculptural masterpieces. His crowning achievement is Lootaas
(Wave Eater), a 50-foot war canoe carved from a single cedar log.

Native Wilderness & Wildlife

Horseshoe Bay is a picturesque village situated on the tip of West Vancouver at the entrance to Howe Sound. This delightful little village has an exciting high-speed wildlife eco-tour, and the Zodiac will cruise beside steep cliffs so you can watch seals at play, explore sea caves, and view various marine birds, including the majestic bald eagle. If you would rather just enjoy the park nearby on a sunny day, make like the locals and grab some takeout fish and chips from a nearby restaurant.

Special Places & Pastimes

Thirty minutes from Vancouver, Steveston Village is a historic fishing village in British Columbia. There are trails for walking and jogging and the fishing port is bustling with activity whenever the fishing boats return to land. The weekend fish market at the pier means there is always plenty of fresh fish to be purchased directly from the fishermen. In summer, Steveston is even home to a salmon festival.

Unique Food & Drink

In the Fairview Slopes area of Vancouver, Tojo’s Restaurant (1133 Broadway West) is the home of the California roll—it was invented here by Mr. Tojo himself. For Japanese food connoisseurs, this is a mecca for authentic Japanese food in Canada. Order off the omakase (trust) menu, which means that the chef will serve whatever is best that day, sometimes made right at your seat.Photo courtesy of Remy Scalza on Flickr

Program Directors

Accommodations

Main Trip

Holiday Inn Seattle Center

A dependable, well-maintained hotel with comfortable accommodations and public areas with a full range of services, amenities, and facilities.

Understanding our Hotel RatingsMany of our accommodations feature ratings based on classifications from the Hotel and Travel Index, a travel industry standard for over 70 years. Their unique 10-tier system categorizes hotels as Deluxe, First Class, or Tourist Class, and may further define a category as Superior, Moderate, or Limited-Service.

Conveniently located in the heart of Seattle, the First-Class Holiday Inn offers access to all downtown attractions. Your room comes equipped with air-conditioning, coffee- and tea-making facilities, satellite TV, and wireless Internet access.

Red Lion River Inn

A dependable, well-maintained hotel with comfortable accommodations and public areas with a full range of services, amenities, and facilities.

Understanding our Hotel RatingsMany of our accommodations feature ratings based on classifications from the Hotel and Travel Index, a travel industry standard for over 70 years. Their unique 10-tier system categorizes hotels as Deluxe, First Class, or Tourist Class, and may further define a category as Superior, Moderate, or Limited-Service.

The First-Class Red Lion River Inn is located along the banks of the Spokane River and within easy walking distance of downtown shopping, Riverfront Park, and the Spokane Opera House and Convention Center. Gonzaga University is located right next door. The hotel offers air-conditioning, coffee- and tea-making facilities, satellite TV, a private bath with hair dryer, and complimentary high-speed wireless Internet access in all rooms.

Red Lion Kalispell

Kalispell, Montana

In downtown Kalispell, the Red Lion offers a place to relax in the region's natural beauty while enjoying modern amenities such as a health club, indoor pool, and hot tub. Your room has cable TV, wireless Internet access, a refrigerator and microwave, air conditioning, and coffee- and tea-making facilities.

Mount Royal Hotel

A dependable, well-maintained hotel with comfortable accommodations and public areas with a full range of services, amenities, and facilities.

Understanding our Hotel RatingsMany of our accommodations feature ratings based on classifications from the Hotel and Travel Index, a travel industry standard for over 70 years. Their unique 10-tier system categorizes hotels as Deluxe, First Class, or Tourist Class, and may further define a category as Superior, Moderate, or Limited-Service.

Built in 1908, the First-Class Mount Royal Hotel offers guests a classic charm and convenient location within walking distance of many of Banff's shops, art galleries, and nightlife. Your hotel features a business center, and 24-hour front desk and security. Your air-conditioned room’s amenities include private bath and shower, hair dryer, fireplace, radio/alarm clock, refrigerator, telephone, TV, and coffee- and tea-making facilities.

Mount Robson Inn

Essentially a First Class establishment with comfortable but sometimes simple accommodations. Public areas may be limited. Some first class features may be lacking, but generally provides all the essentials a guest requires.

Understanding our Hotel RatingsMany of our accommodations feature ratings based on classifications from the Hotel and Travel Index, a travel industry standard for over 70 years. Their unique 10-tier system categorizes hotels as Deluxe, First Class, or Tourist Class, and may further define a category as Superior, Moderate, or Limited-Service.

In easy reach of Jasper's outdoor amusements, the Mount Robson Inn is a relaxing place to enjoy your time in Alberta. Your comfortably-appointed room comes equipped with air conditioning, telephone, refrigerator, satellite TV, wireless high-speed Internet access, and coffee- and tea-making facilities.

Nancy Greene’s Cahilty Lodge

Sun Peaks, British Columbia

Nancy Greene’s Cahilty Lodge is located in the verdant heart of British Columbia, near the scenic Sun Peaks mountain resort. The hotel features a sauna and hot tub, as well as an on-site restaurant. Each room is equipped with a private bath and hair dryer, TV, DVD player, and coffee- and tea-making facilities. Wireless Internet access is available in common areas.

Holiday Inn and Suites Vancouver Downtown

A dependable, well-maintained hotel with comfortable accommodations and public areas with a full range of services, amenities, and facilities.

Understanding our Hotel RatingsMany of our accommodations feature ratings based on classifications from the Hotel and Travel Index, a travel industry standard for over 70 years. Their unique 10-tier system categorizes hotels as Deluxe, First Class, or Tourist Class, and may further define a category as Superior, Moderate, or Limited-Service.

Extensions

Holiday Inn Seattle Center

A dependable, well-maintained hotel with comfortable accommodations and public areas with a full range of services, amenities, and facilities.

Understanding our Hotel RatingsMany of our accommodations feature ratings based on classifications from the Hotel and Travel Index, a travel industry standard for over 70 years. Their unique 10-tier system categorizes hotels as Deluxe, First Class, or Tourist Class, and may further define a category as Superior, Moderate, or Limited-Service.

Conveniently located in the heart of Seattle, the First-Class Holiday Inn offers access to all downtown attractions. Your room comes equipped with air-conditioning, coffee- and tea-making facilities, satellite TV, and wireless Internet access.

Victoria Marriott Inner Harbour Hotel

A dependable, well-maintained hotel with comfortable accommodations and public areas with a full range of services, amenities, and facilities.

Understanding our Hotel RatingsMany of our accommodations feature ratings based on classifications from the Hotel and Travel Index, a travel industry standard for over 70 years. Their unique 10-tier system categorizes hotels as Deluxe, First Class, or Tourist Class, and may further define a category as Superior, Moderate, or Limited-Service.

Opened in May 2004, the First-Class Victoria Marriott Inner Harbour is located just steps from Inner Harbour and offers views including the Legislative building, the Olympic Mountain range, and the Pacific Ocean. Along with Fire & Water, its signature restaurant, hotel amenities include a fitness room, an indoor pool, and whirlpool.

Hotel Five

Accommodations are well kept and functional, some with charming or intimate features. Many with in-room amenities designed for business travelers. Usually public rooms and facilities are limited.

Understanding our Hotel RatingsMany of our accommodations feature ratings based on classifications from the Hotel and Travel Index, a travel industry standard for over 70 years. Their unique 10-tier system categorizes hotels as Deluxe, First Class, or Tourist Class, and may further define a category as Superior, Moderate, or Limited-Service.

Flight Information

Flight Options to Personalize Your Trip

You can choose to stay longer before or after your trip on your own, or combine two vacations to maximize your value.

Extend your vacation and lower your per day cost with our optional pre- and post-trip excursions

Choose our standard air routing, or work with us to select the airline and routing you prefer

Make your own international flight arrangements directly with the airline, applying frequent flyer miles if available

International airport transfers to and from your ship or hotel, including meet and greet service, are available for purchase

Stay overnight in a connecting city before or after your trip

Request to arrive a few days early to get a fresh start on your vacation

Choose to "break away" before or after your trip, spending additional days or weeks on your own

Combine your choice of Grand Circle vacations to maximize your value

Upgrade to business or premium class

The air options listed above may involve additional airfare costs based on your specific choices.

Or, when you make your reservation, you can choose our standard air routing, for which approximate travel times are shown below.

Standard Air Routing

w/out standard air$2895

w/ standard air$3295

Gateway

Travel Time*

Denver, Los Angeles, San Diego

3 hrs

Minneapolis

4 hrs

Chicago, Dallas, Detroit

5 hrs

Atlanta

6 hrs

Newark

7 hrs

Baltimore, Orlando, Philadelphia, Tucson

8 hrs

Boston, Tampa, Washington, DC (Dulles)

9 hrs

New York (JFK)

11 hrs

*Estimated total time, including connection and layover. Actual travel
time may vary.

The information above reflects approximate flight times from the gateway cities listed to Seattle, Washington. Routing is based on availability and subject to change. You will receive your final air itinerary approximately 14 days prior to departure.

What Makes This Trip Unique

Exclusive Discovery Series Events

Lonesome Dove Guest Ranch visit. Tour a Montana ranch and learn about daily life there. Then sit down for dinner with your cowboy hosts and fellow travelers.

Enjoy the opportunity to visit 3 National Parks

Glacier National Park

Banff National Park

Jasper National Park

10 Reasons to experience Northwest National Parks—in the words of our travelers

We often find that the best endorsements of our discovery-rich vacations come directly from our travelers. From snow-capped Rocky Mountain vistas to unexpected wildlife encounters, here are some memorable experiences our travelers shared from our National Park tour to the Pacific Northwest and Canada.

Columbia Icefield
"Walking on the Athabasca Glacier was amazing. It was rainy/misty on the way there—we all got out of the Ice Explorer and the sun came out and the sky turned blue with white puffy clouds. Leaving the glacier, it started raining again. We were lucky! Our guide said this was the best it has been in a long time."A 5-time traveler from Sun City West, AZ

Seattle & Victoria pre-trip extension
"The pre-trip to Victoria was a highlight. The first day ... was a trip to the lovely Butchart Gardens. The second day on our own was easy to fill with interesting adventures. We toured the Empress Hotel with a very British guide, which was great fun; took a water taxi to the Wharf for a tasty seafood lunch; and then caught an IMAX movie and explored the Royal British Columbia Museum."A 26-time traveler from Oswego, NY

Glacier National Park
"... a beautiful wilderness area of more than one million acres. Over the millennia, glaciers carved out a rugged landscape of spectacular mountains, pristine lakes, beautiful waterfalls, local wildlife, and breathtaking scenery ... [the trip] up the mountain to Logan Pass was led by a Blackfoot Indian guide. Near the top we were met by a mother Mountain Goat and her offspring."A 2-time traveler from Fairfax, VA

Lonesome Dove Guest Ranch
"The Home-Hosted visit to Lonesome Dove Guest Ranch was enjoyable. The entertainment and food were great and the bus was met by two men on horseback with an American flag."A 4-time traveler from Summerfield, FL

Lake Louise
"Lake Louise of course was a highlight. My travel pal and I sat on a bench for a while to soak it all in! Buffet lunch there was the best meal of the trip; enjoyed sitting next to tall windows giving us a magnificent lake view!"A 16-time traveler from Tucson, AZ

Local wildlife
"Seeing black and grizzly bears from the safety of the coach was a surprise. We also saw caribou, moose, big horn sheep, mule deer, white tail deer, and on several occasions, bald eagles."A 9-time traveler from Lewisville, TX

Maligne Lake Cruise & Afternoon Tea optional tour
"... the most beautiful part of the trip was Maligne Lake. This was an optional lake cruise not to be missed. I had to convince my friends that my gorgeous photos there were actually taken by me. After the dinner at Maligne Canyon, a naturalist fascinated us with her exposé of the sex life of bears. I expound on that now at dinner parties."A 3-time traveler from Acton, MA

Program Director
"Diana, our Program Director, was outstanding in every way: professional, knowledgeable, friendly, experienced, enthusiastic, and entertaining. Her leadership, proactive precautions and instructions—without being dictatorial—made the trip most enjoyable ... Her discussion of controversial topics, learning, and discovery were extremely educational and rewarding. As Diana would say, 'A WOW MOMENT.'"A 7-time traveler from Land O' Lakes, FL

Vancouver, British Columbia
"Vancouver was our favorite city. It was beautiful and provided a different finish to a snow-topped mountain trip."A 12-time traveler from Elliot City, MD

For reservations and information on our National Park tour, call us toll-free at 1-800-221-2610

The Ice of Time

How glaciers carved the Canadian Rockies

by David Valdes Greenwood, for Grand Circle

The stone-crushing weight of the glaciers makes them a force to be reckoned with.

Imagine a vast sea of ice sprawling for 85 square miles. You don’t have to be in the Arctic Circle to experience this majestic frozen vista: It’s the Columbia Icefield in the Canadian Rockies, where Banff and Jasper National Parks meet. Feeding eight glaciers, the ice of which reaches depths of up to 1,000 feet, it’s not like any other landscape in North America. But frozen doesn’t mean unmoving: The Icefield continues to shift over time, carving out its own niche in the mountains.

The slow hand of Mother Nature

When the Rocky Mountains appeared, during the Cretaceous era, they were thrust upward by seismic activity that can truly be described as earth-shattering, with summits estimated at 30,000 feet—over twice the height of Everest. An estimated 150,000 years ago, in the Pleistocene Era, sheets of glacial ice covered all but the very peaks, a state which remained until about 20,000 years ago when warmer air began to change the shape of the glaciers.

Glaciers move when warming surfaces begin to melt, the resulting water drilling little holes called moulins through the ice, slim rivulets reaching all the way to the bedrock beneath, then flowing beneath the frozen masses. This buried runoff makes a slippery surface upon which the glacier begins to slide forward, like a sled on a hill. It’s not a speedy charge by any stretch, but it is a powerful kind of progress: The stone-crushing weight of the glaciers makes them a force to be reckoned with. Over the course of thousands of years, the ice here has whittled away the mountaintops and carved out the skyline we see today: Jagged peaks and wide valleys formed as the glaciers muscled their way through.

“Discovering” the giant underfoot

Despite its massive size, the Columbia Icefield was unknown to most of the world until an adventurous pair of climbers headed up Mt. Athabasca. On the surface it was an unlikely duo: Herman Woolley, a book publisher who never set foot on a mountain until he turned forty, and J. Norman Collie, a chemist by training. But Woolley knew he was in good hands with Collie, who had made himself a serious mountaineer: He was the first to climb 21 of the Canadian Rockies (and eventually named 30 of Canada’s peaks).

When the men reached the summit of Athabasca, they were greeted by a vision they never expected. As Collie later wrote, “To the westward stretched a vast icefield probably never seen before by the human eye, and surrounded entirely by unknown, unnamed, and unclimbed peaks.” They’d actually been walking on the ice for part of their trek, but without any idea of the glacial scope until they saw it from above.

Nothing cold can stay

Collie was the first to surmise, correctly, a unique feature of the landscape below. Forming a triple Continental Divide, the melting waters of the icefield flow to the Arctic Ocean, the Pacific Ocean, and the North Atlantic alike, making this glacial confluence a key player in the ecosystem of Canada and beyond. That importance makes it worrisome that the glaciers appear to be thinning.

This is especially clear in the Athabasca Glacier, which serves as the face of the group thanks to its accessibility. While it still shows motion of several centimeters a day, it is clearly receding from its past glory, having lost more than a mile of its forward edge in the last 100 years. In fact, global climate experts estimate that Athabasca will disappear within a century’s time; it may yield a beautiful lake in its wake, but perhaps no longer contribute to the flow of waters as it once did.

For travelers who wish to walk on an ancient glacier, that means now is the time to visit the Icefield. For scientists, the big question is this: How will the next act of these ever-changing glaciers transform the Rockies this time?

The First-Class Red Lion River Inn is located along the banks of the Spokane River and within easy walking distance of downtown shopping, Riverfront Park, and the Spokane Opera House and Convention Center. Gonzaga University is located right next door. The hotel offers air-conditioning, coffee- and tea-making facilities, satellite TV, a private bath with hair dryer, and complimentary high-speed wireless Internet access in all rooms.

In downtown Kalispell, the Red Lion offers a place to relax in the region's natural beauty while enjoying modern amenities such as a health club, indoor pool, and hot tub. Your room has cable TV, wireless Internet access, a refrigerator and microwave, air conditioning, and coffee- and tea-making facilities.

Built in 1908, the First-Class Mount Royal Hotel offers guests a classic charm and convenient location within walking distance of many of Banff's shops, art galleries, and nightlife. Your hotel features a business center, and 24-hour front desk and security. Your air-conditioned room’s amenities include private bath and shower, hair dryer, fireplace, radio/alarm clock, refrigerator, telephone, TV, and coffee- and tea-making facilities.

Nancy Greene’s Cahilty Lodge is located in the verdant heart of British Columbia, near the scenic Sun Peaks mountain resort. The hotel features a sauna and hot tub, as well as an on-site restaurant. Each room is equipped with a private bath and hair dryer, TV, DVD player, and coffee- and tea-making facilities. Wireless Internet access is available in common areas.

Opened in May 2004, the First-Class Victoria Marriott Inner Harbour is located just steps from Inner Harbour and offers views including the Legislative building, the Olympic Mountain range, and the Pacific Ocean. Along with Fire & Water, its signature restaurant, hotel amenities include a fitness room, an indoor pool, and whirlpool.

Enjoy a two-hour rafting excursion on the Athabasca River. The Athabasca is famous for its thunderous drop at Athabasca Falls where the river plunges over a 100-foot high ledge and then hurtles through a narrow canyon. But not to worry—you'll be traveling on a slower, meandering part of the river with fine scenic views.

Maligne Lake Cruise & Afternoon Tea - $125/person

Enjoy an included afternoon tea overlooking Maligne Lake, before you cruise on the lake itself, a golden opportunity to relax and experience the sheer majesty of the Rockies in all their unspoiled glory. You’ll cruise this turquoise lake for about 90 minutes, passing by world-famous Spirit Island.

Please note: Available on June-September departures only.

Capilano Suspension Bridge - $35/person

Enjoy an afternoon traversing the wilds of Capilano Suspension Bridge and Park from a bird’s-eye perspective. Cross the 450-foot-long suspension bridge, originally built in 1889; travel from one tree to the next via bridges weaving through the rain forest; and experience a cliffwalk that juts out over the Capilano River.

Diana Lee

92% of travelers rated Diana as "excellent"

"Diana was a superb Program Director! She was extremely knowledgeable and had many interesting stories about the areas we were in. She brought fun into our routine activities, even down to the seating on the bus. Sometimes she even planned surprise stops that weren't on the itinerary because she knew we would appreciate them. Diana mingled with all of us, displaying humor and kindness and making us feel welcome. She's the reason the trip was such a success."

Patricia Gipson 5-time traveler from Decatur, Georgia

Get to know Diana

Born

Singapore

Resides

Vancouver, British Columbia

Languages

English, Japanese, Mandarin, Cantonese, Malay, Thai

Hobbies & Interests

Sewing, paper crafts

With us since 2004

I grew up in Singapore and have worked in all levels of the hospitality industry: housekeeping, food preparation, the front desk of hotels, and as a local guide. This work really broadened my knowledge of the travel industry. Eventually I was able to work all over the world, living in Japan, Thailand, Germany, and France.

I love living in Canada because it is a mosaic of people from all different countries, coming together. I’m glad to have volunteered with various ethnic groups in Canada because I have learned so much about the histories, languages, cultures, and foods that other immigrants have left behind.

British Columbia is particularly beautiful. An old joke asks, “Where is British Columbia located?” The answer is, “Somewhere in the middle of a sea of envy.” In fact, all our license plates say “Beautiful British Columbia,” so you know we love our landscape!

When our travelers come to Canada, they need to experience not only the natural beauty of the outdoors, but also different modes of public transportation. That is where the locals are. I encourage travelers to “get lost” when they are here, but many report that they have no chance be lost, as there is always someone around to assist them. Travelers are touched by the friendliness of people in the street. The impression of the land is not the scenery; rather, it is the people.

Questions about this trip?

Access Your Priority Phone Line
1-855-428-0924

We invite you to call this exclusive, toll-free Priority Phone Line today if you have any questions about [trip name].

Privately Owned Fleet

Our worldwide fleet of private river ships—many of which are award-winning—was custom-built especially to meet the needs of our travelers. Whether you’re in Europe or Russia, you’ll travel exclusively with other Americans—for the ultimate in camaraderie.

Our Private Charters

Program Directors

No matter where in the world you venture with Grand Circle, you'll have one of our resident, expert Program Directors by your side, every step of the way. All are fluent in English and possess the skills, certification, and experience necessary to ensure an enriching vacation.

Africa Land Tour featured video:

Behold the natural wonders of South Africa—from “Big Five” sightings in Kruger National Park to the serene, flower-ringed Knysna Lagoon. Watch our video to see travelers enjoying some of the discoveries that await you.

Reserve Early and SAVE

Refer and Earn

You can earn $5,900 or more in CASH when you refer new travelers to 2015 trips through our Vacation Ambassador Referral Program. The more new travelers you refer, the more CASH you earn—it’s unlimited! Watch our video to learn how.

The Leader in Solo Friendly Travel

With FREE Single Supplements, we offer the best value for solo travelers in the industry, guaranteed. Plus, our expert, resident Program Directors, Roommate Matching Service, and online forums help you make personal connections. Watch our video to see why solo travel is better with Grand Circle.

Frequent Traveler Credits

Every time you travel with Grand Circle and OAT, you'll receive a Frequent Traveler Credit worth 5% of the advertised cost of your trip, applicable toward your next Grand Circle or OAT vacation you take within one year.

Group Leader Program

At Grand Circle, we strongly believe that word of mouth is our best advertisement. And it works. Just ask the more than 500 Group Leaders who have chosen a Grand Circle trip for their travelers this year—and traveled FREE! Watch our video to learn how.

Travel Protection Plan

Watch our video to learn about the benefits of our Travel Protection Plan. You can cancel your Grand Circle vacation at any time—up to the day of your departure, and for any reason—and retain the FULL value of your trip, including your deposit.

Last Minute Travel Deals

Act now for terrific savings on last-minute departures, available only on our website. Our Last Minute Travel Deals are updated frequently, so be sure to check back often! Space is very limited—and at these prices, will sell out quickly—so sign in for exclusive access to our Last Minute Special Travel Deals

Travel Parties

Earn rewards up to a FREE TRIP when you host a Travel Party. A Grand Circle Representative will share a vacation presentation, a raffle, and exclusive savings for your guests. For each new traveler who reserves after your party, you’ll earn increasing rewards, valued up to $5,800.

Worldwide Discovery

Traveling with Grand Circle is about more than sightseeing. It’s about immersing yourself in other cultures, sharing the warm camaraderie of like-minded American travelers, and feeling comfortable, safe, and well-cared for every step of the way....

Grand Circle Advantages

Grand Circle invites you to travel with the leader in worldwide learning and discovery and bring your travel dreams to life, thanks to the principles that ground every one of our vacations: value, choice, discovery, and careful pacing.

The Grand Circle Experience

Watch our video of travelers on location on our River Cruises and Land Tours, and you’ll see the discoveries that await you—not to mention the spirited camaraderie of our trips, a quality that singles and couples alike often cite as a highlight of their travel experience.

Program Directors

No matter where in the world you venture with Grand Circle, you'll have one of our resident, expert Program Directors by your side, every step of the way. All are fluent in English and possess the skills, certification, and experience necessary to ensure an enriching vacation.

Personalize your trip

Airport Transfers

We’ve listened to your feedback, and will now offer international airport transfers to and from your hotel to our travelers who choose to purchase their own airfare on any Grand Circle vacation as part of our Personalize Your Trip program, which allows you create the Grand Circle vacation that's right for you.

Inner Circle Club

Many Grand Circle travelers return to discover the world with us time and time again, and to show our appreciation, we've created the Inner Circle, a membership rewards program for travelers who've joined us on three or more vacations.

People and Culture

Grand Circle Foundation

Alan and Harriet Lewis created the nonprofit Grand Circle Foundation with the mission of changing people’s lives through travel—which includes both the travelers who journey with OAT, and the local people who welcome us so warmly into their homelands.

Cuba People-to-People

Grand Circle Foundation is one of the few organizations sanctioned by the U.S. government to offer legal, fully-licensed travel to Cuba. By limiting our group size to just 12-20 participants on each of our two unique programs, we’re able to provide you with rich insights into Cuban life.

Facebook

Learn more about our Facebook online community, a place where you can stay connected with Grand Circle and your fellow travelers. Here, you’ll have the opportunity to ask questions, get advice, find travel companions, learn what’s new at Grand Circle, share your photos, videos, and stories, and more.

Traveler Celebration Events

Our regional Traveler Celebration Events are opportunities for you to meet other world travelers who share your passion for learning and discovery, swap travel stories, and give us feedback on how we can to make your experience even better—plus, you’ll be one of the first to preview upcoming trips.

Want to get to know us?

Join us for a free and informative Travel Presentation & Reception in your area EXCLUSIVELY for new customers, and discover why—with Grand Circle & Overseas Adventure Travel—your next trip will be the experience of a lifetime. At this event and luncheon, you will learn what sets our travel company apart from the rest.

Upcoming Events in Boston

If you live in or around Greater Boston, or plan to visit the area in the future, I hope you’ll consider joining Grand Circle in Harriet’s Corner—the special space in our Boston headquarters that serves as a physical embodiment of the “virtual” community we share online.

Grand Circle Gallery

Grand Circle Gallery in Boston invites you to view our extensive collection of vintage travel posters and breathtaking black-and-white photography from Alan and Harriet Lewis’ private collection, as well as special exhibits on other travel-related themes.

Any questions? Schedule a call with our expert Travel Counselors at a time that’s convenient for you. Fill out the form to the right, and we’ll call you to:

Find your best possible value

Compare travel dates based on weather, pricing, and more

Coordinate plans with friends or family

Check the availability of single spaces and extensions

Answer any other questions

Or, make your reservation

Our Travel Counselors are ready to answer any questions you have about your reservation—simply complete the form to the right to get started. A member of our Traveler Support Department will contact you by your preferred method to answer your questions, which may include: